How much is a new transmission Honda HR-V?
A brand-new transmission replacement for a Honda HR-V typically costs about $3,000 to $5,000, including parts and labor, with variances by model year, region, and whether you buy through a dealer or an independent shop.
Understanding the HR-V transmission setup
The HR-V uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in most recent generations. There is no traditional manual option on current models. When a new CVT is needed, you’ll usually be quoted for a CVT assembly replacement or a remanufactured unit, depending on the shop and your preference.
Cost ranges by replacement option
Prices vary depending on the replacement option you choose. Here are typical ranges seen in the U.S. as of 2025:
- OEM new CVT from Honda dealership: generally $3,000 to $5,500 for parts and labor; some high-cost markets or vehicle configurations can exceed $6,000.
- Remanufactured CVT (rebuilt to factory specs) from Honda or an aftermarket supplier: about $2,500 to $4,000.
- Rebuilt CVT by an independent shop using OEM-recommended components: around $2,500 to $4,000.
- Used or salvaged CVT with a limited warranty: roughly $1,500 to $3,000, with higher risk of future issues.
Concluding note: The actual price depends on your HR-V’s model year, the exact CVT variant, the shop’s labor rate, and whether additional components (cooler, torque converter, seals) must be replaced during the job.
What affects the price
Understanding the factors that influence the total cost helps you compare quotes more accurately. The main elements include:
- Labor rates by region and whether you choose a dealership or an independent shop.
- The type of transmission you replace with (OEM new vs. remanufactured vs. rebuilt).
- Required ancillary parts (CVT fluid, filter, cooler lines, seals, bolts).
- Diagnosed additional repairs (valve body work, sensors, wiring) that may accompany a CVT replacement.
- Vehicle year and drivetrain configuration (AWD variants can add cost).
Concluding note: Always request a detailed, written estimate that itemizes parts, labor, fluids, and core charges to avoid surprises.
Warranty and coverage considerations
Honda’s standard powertrain warranty typically covers major drivetrain components for 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first, in the United States. A CVT replacement could be covered if the failure falls under warranty terms, but wear-related CVT issues may be excluded. Check with your local dealer for current terms and any extended coverage options.
Tips for getting an accurate quote
To protect yourself and ensure you’re comparing apples to apples, follow these steps:
- Obtain multiple written quotes from Honda dealerships and reputable independent shops.
- Ask for a clear breakdown of parts vs. labor, plus any core charges.
- Confirm CVT specifications match your HR-V’s year and drivetrain (FWD vs. AWD).
- Verify that fluids meet Honda’s CVT fluid requirements and that the job includes a complete flush if recommended.
- Request diagnostic results and a scope of work before authorizing replacement.
Concluding note: If you’re facing transmission trouble, get a trusted diagnostic first. In some cases, problems can be fixed with a targeted repair (such as valve body or sensor replacement) that costs far less than a full CVT replacement.
Next steps
Once you have quotes, compare not just price but the warranty offered, the reputation of the shop, and the expected timeline. Ask about post-repair testing and whether a courtesy inspection is included to ensure no other transmission-related issues are present.
Summary
In practical terms, replacing a Honda HR-V’s transmission typically falls in the $3,000–$5,500 range in the United States when opting for a brand-new OEM CVT, with lower costs available if you choose a remanufactured or rebuilt unit from a reputable shop. Prices vary widely based on year, drivetrain, region, and the exact replacement approach, so it’s essential to obtain multiple written estimates, verify warranty terms, and understand what is included in each quote. A thorough diagnostic can also reveal more cost-effective repair options beyond a full CVT replacement.
Is it ever worth replacing a transmission?
Whether replacing a transmission is worth it depends on a cost-benefit analysis of the vehicle's age, its total value, the cost of the replacement, and your own plans for the car. If the repair cost is less than 30-40% of the car's current value, or if you plan to keep the vehicle for several more years, replacement may be a good investment. However, if the car is older and has other issues, or if the replacement cost is close to or exceeds the car's worth, it may be better to consider selling the vehicle.
Factors to consider
This video explains the factors to consider when deciding whether to replace your car's transmission: 42sNexologyYouTube · Sep 4, 2025
- Vehicle's value: Compare the cost of replacement to the car's current market value. If the repair is more than 30-40% of the car's worth, it may not be a good financial decision.
- Vehicle's condition: If the rest of the car is in good condition with no major issues, a transmission replacement can be a worthwhile investment. However, if the car has many other problems, it may be better to cut your losses.
- Your plans for the car: If you plan to keep the vehicle for several more years, replacing the transmission is more likely to be worth the cost. If you only plan to keep it for a year or two, it may not be.
- Cost of the replacement: Costs can range from $1,500 to over $8,000, depending on the vehicle and the type of transmission (new, rebuilt, or used). Be sure to factor in labor costs as well.
- Reliability of the model: Some car models have a history of transmission problems, which may make replacement less desirable.
Options for replacement
- New transmission: This is often the most expensive option, but it comes with a new warranty.
- Remanufactured transmission: A remanufactured unit has been rebuilt to "as-new" condition and often comes with a good warranty, making it a solid choice.
- Used transmission: This is the cheapest option but comes with the highest risk, as you don't know its history. It is generally not recommended unless you can test it first.
How much does a new transmission cost for a Honda HR-V?
Honda Transmission Service Options
| Option | Description | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Rebuild | Full disassembly, replacement of worn parts, and reassembly of original transmission | $2,000 – $3,500 |
| Replacement | Swap your current transmission for a new or refurbished unit | $4,000 – $6,000+ |
Is there a recall on Honda HR-V transmission?
There is no single "HRV transmission recall" for all models, but a significant product update and warranty extension for certain 2016-2020 Honda HR-V models addresses potential CVT belt failure. This update involves a free software update and an inspection for metal shavings in the transmission fluid. If the inspection shows signs of failure, Honda will replace the transmission for free, and there's a warranty extension to 7 years or 150,000 miles for the original and subsequent owners to cover potential issues.
What this means for you
- Get the software update: If you own a 2016-2020 Honda HR-V, schedule an appointment at a dealership to get the free software update.
- Let them inspect: The dealer will perform a free inspection of the transmission for signs of wear after the software update.
- Potential for replacement: If the inspection reveals the CVT belt has failed, the dealer will replace the entire transmission for free.
- Warranty extension: The product update is necessary for the extended warranty to be valid. This extends the CVT coverage to 7 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first, for both original and subsequent owners.
- Check your VIN: While this update affects a specific range of models, you can check your specific vehicle for any recalls by using its 17-character VIN on the NHTSA website.
This video explains a Honda safety recall related to the audio unit and rearview camera in some HR-V models: 50sThe Honda TechnicianYouTube · May 6, 2023
Other transmission issues
- Some owners of newer or older models have also reported CVT failures, even though they are outside the 2016-2020 range mentioned above.
- There is a separate NHTSA investigation into rear differential issues for some 2018-2022 CR-V and HR-V models with all-wheel drive.
- Even with the extended warranty, some owners have experienced issues outside of the coverage period.
- Some mechanics recommend performing more frequent transmission fluid changes to help prevent premature wear.
How do I know if my Honda transmission is bad?
6 Signs Your Honda Needs a Transmission Service
- Unresponsive to Gear Changes. The vehicle may stop responding when you attempt to change gears if there's a problem with the transmission.
- Difficult Gear Changes.
- Fluid Leak.
- Burning Aroma.
- Gears Slipping.
- New Sounds in Neutral.
